Jason Johnson

Jason Adam Johnson, 49, of Grafton, ND passed away on November 30, 2020, after a hard-fought battle against Covid.

Jason was born on November 22, 1971 to Darryl and Linda (Pierce) Johnson, in Crookston, MN. He spent the first part of his childhood growing up in rural Crookston. He enjoyed riding anything with a motor, participating in wrestling, spending time with his cousins, The Olsons, in Northwood, ND and exploring all the fun activities country living had to offer with his siblings and cousin Tim.

During his high school years, Jason and his family moved into town. Up until an ankle injury, he enjoyed participating in football and basketball. He was also a member of the high school band and choir. When not in school or working in the meat market at Leever’s, Jason enjoyed spending time at the lake, fixing up cars and singing in his garage band with a group of close friends.

In 1990, he graduated from Crookston Central High School. After graduation he enrolled into college at Moorhead State University. He gave it a good attempt but decided to head off to explore the country after one year. His new job offered him the opportunity to travel the country while building oil bins. He did this for a few years, before coming back to the Crookston area and settling down. He worked for Nordic Fiberglass in Warren, MN for several years.

In 1994 Jason welcomed into his life a stepson, Derrek, when he married Sherri Kimble. Jason loved Derrek like his own and did his best to support Derrek throughout his life. Whether it was playing catch in the yard, cheering on the MN Vikings together, pulling Derrek around on a tube at the lake, or watching Derrek compete in Baja races from the stands, Jason took pride in his role of being a stepdad.

In 1998 Jason welcomed a daughter, Andrea. With matching dimples and personalities, she was the sparkle in his eye, and the skip in his step. They enjoyed car shopping, golfing, going to the movies, and spending time at the lake together. They also shared a love for animals and were both very fond of dogs, from pugs to mastiffs!

In 2014 Jason met his perfect match, Jamie, and moved to Drayton, ND. In 2016, they bought a small farm in Grafton, ND, and once again Jason found himself enjoying country life and all it had to offer. When they were not busy fixing up and expanding their farm, they would take time to go on vacations, attend music concerts, and riding motorcycle. Together they travelled many miles on Jason’s Harley Davidson. Whether it was just the two of them cruising country roads or with a group of friends driving to Sturgis, to Jason, time spent on his motorcycle was time well spent!

Jason was a simple man with a quiet demeanor. A large, Harley Davidson clad stature with an even larger heart. He gave more than he received and was always willing to help others with their projects, even if it meant his own had to wait. He loved finding good deals and going to auctions. He was a believer in second chances and giving everyone an opportunity. This was echoed throughout the walls of Philadelphia Macaroni Company where he was employed at the time of his death as a packaging manager in Grand Forks, ND. There he was known for offering that much needed second chance to those that many did not.

He will be forever missed and is survived by his children; Andrea Johnson and Derrek Kimble (Samantha Hogstad) of Crookston, MN. His fiancé Jamie Twamley and her children; Rylee Maurstad at home, Josh (Nicole) Twamley of Grand Forks, ND, and Katie Twamley (Nick Norby) of Eden Prairie, MN. His mother Linda Johnson of Detroit Lakes, MN. Brother Brad (Kristy) Johnson of Benson, MN. Sisters; April (Chad) Qualley of Ada, MN, and Mandy (Chris) Cymbaluk of Detroit Lakes, MN. Also, many nieces and nephews.

Loved ones gone before him were his father Darryl. His Grandparents Lloyd and Adeline Pierce and Andrew and Alice Johnson. His special Uncle and friend, Jeff Pierce, as well as many other close relatives.

A celebration of Jason’s life will take place in the Spring of 2021.